Campaigners say 33 years of Swansea’s culture will be lost now plans to redevelop an art gallery have been approved.

Sweeping changes to Taliesin Arts Centre in Swansea University have been given the go-ahead, despite fierce opposition from campaigners.

The university will now replace the gallery, which was named after one of Swansea’s most famous painters and a contemporary of Dylan Thomas, as part of a major revamp, which bosses say are part of wider plans to “enhance the student experience”.

The gallery closed last month.

Save Oriel Ceri Richards Gallery campaigners say the university did not consult with stakeholders.

Campaigners say 33 years of Swansea’s culture will be lost now plans to redevelop an art gallery have been approved

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Artist Shani Rhys James MBE, once described as “arguably one of the most successful painters of her generation”, said: “I am very disappointed and concerned about Swansea University’s decision to close Oriel Ceri Richards. It’s so important to safeguard galleries and museums like this one.

“Once it’s closed, we have lost forever an important cultural source for students, school children and the general public. Ceri Richards is an important Welsh artist who, in his lifetime, achieved international acclaim.

“We should be developing a gallery dedicated to him not destroying it.”

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Swansea University declined to comment further, but re-issued its previous statement.

Professor Martin Stringer, Swansea University pro-vice-chancellor, said: “In keeping with other leading universities, we have ambitious expansion plans as we move towards our centenary in 2020.

“The redevelopment of the Taliesin ground floor will enable us to continue our drive to provide facilities fit for the 21st Century by providing spaces for students, staff and members of the public to engage in imaginative and creative activities, for digital exhibitions and displays of student work, and for social, cultural and other events which will serve the university and the community of Swansea, while maintaining our support for the arts centre and the Egypt Centre.

“Enhancing student experience, providing much-needed learning and social space and providing creative engagement opportunities enable us to continue to extend our global reach and realise our domestic and international ambition.”

More than 1,800 people signed a petition against the gallery’s closure.

Three protests were held on the university’s Singleton Campus, with campaigners highlighting that the gallery was being closed at the same time Swansea had been shortlisted for the UK City of Culture 2021.

Ceri Richards’ daughter and son-in- law, Rhiannon and Mel Gooding, said: “We are deeply impressed by campaigners’ work and dedication. Something quite extraordinary has happened, and I am certain the university has been, if nothing else, deeply embarrassed by the highly effective campaign.”